4 ms·

Writing a science fiction novel is like launching a startup

23 points by tjic 14y ago

aristus 14y ago
Yep. This also extends to the publishing, marketing, etc: http://www.laurenipsum.org/like-a-startup http://www.laurenipsum.org/like-a-startup I don't think that it's exactly like a software startup. You don't have to deal with bug reports or upgrades, for instance. But the same instincts and habits work well, especially if you are self-publishing. Good luck!
- alecdibble 14y ago
  Bugs: Typos Upgrades: Sequels
EwanG 14y ago
OK, have a few SF stories on here, and would love to get some ideas on how to fix my "startup": http://www.a1161.com http://www.a1161.com Seriously - trying to come up with a creative way to promote writing and reintroduce the "serial", and it seems like I must have missed the boat somewhere?
- madhadron 14y ago
  I think A1161's a good idea, but...I don't know how to put this kindly, but your writers are terrible. There are obviously good ideas there, but not the chops to make them work. As for promotion, what I'm planning to do with my novel and short stories (http://frederickjross.com/ http://frederickjross.com/) is to frequent scifi and comic cons, handing out samples from the works with information to find the rest, and spend some time on science fiction forums. Unfortunately for commercial success, I'd rather be writing my second novel.
  - EwanG 14y ago
    Appreciate the feedback. I had an open submission period, and these were the ones that were the best out of the slush pile. I'd be open to starting over (given the audience so far I don't think the current writers would mind), but suggestions on how I get better folks involved?
    - pnutbutr 14y ago
      You make them. Publishing, online or in-print, is a business; writers have be trained and developed like employees at any other business. Yeah, maybe you'll be lucky enough to find the one amazing writer that will make your project a success, but it's far more likely that you'll do better business by finding six decent writers and putting them together with one or two great editors. That's supposed to be why writers work for tips - a publisher offers them a chance to create a professional portfolio with the help of an editor. Otherwise, you've got nothing of value to pull decent writers away from paying gigs or self-publishing.
    - madhadron 14y ago
      Considered going through some of the online scifi and fantasy magazines, finding folks who haven't published much but write well, and sending them an email? Sorry I can't offer any better advice than that.
krollew 14y ago
Realy nice text. Good luck. How does that lulu.com? On their site I see they offer to publish for free, but how they do it so it's profitable?
JoeAltmaier 14y ago
Article doesn't address the topic. Time for another revision.

23 points by tjic 14y ago

Yep. This also extends to the publishing, marketing, etc: http://www.laurenipsum.org/like-a-startup http://www.laurenipsum.org/like-a-startup I don't think that it's exactly like a software startup. You don't have to deal with bug reports or upgrades, for instance. But the same instincts and habits work well, especially if you are self-publishing. Good luck!

alecdibble 14y ago
Bugs: Typos Upgrades: Sequels

EwanG 14y ago

OK, have a few SF stories on here, and would love to get some ideas on how to fix my "startup": http://www.a1161.com http://www.a1161.com Seriously - trying to come up with a creative way to promote writing and reintroduce the "serial", and it seems like I must have missed the boat somewhere?

madhadron 14y ago
I think A1161's a good idea, but...I don't know how to put this kindly, but your writers are terrible. There are obviously good ideas there, but not the chops to make them work. As for promotion, what I'm planning to do with my novel and short stories (http://frederickjross.com/ http://frederickjross.com/) is to frequent scifi and comic cons, handing out samples from the works with information to find the rest, and spend some time on science fiction forums. Unfortunately for commercial success, I'd rather be writing my second novel.
- EwanG 14y ago
  Appreciate the feedback. I had an open submission period, and these were the ones that were the best out of the slush pile. I'd be open to starting over (given the audience so far I don't think the current writers would mind), but suggestions on how I get better folks involved?
  - pnutbutr 14y ago
    You make them. Publishing, online or in-print, is a business; writers have be trained and developed like employees at any other business. Yeah, maybe you'll be lucky enough to find the one amazing writer that will make your project a success, but it's far more likely that you'll do better business by finding six decent writers and putting them together with one or two great editors. That's supposed to be why writers work for tips - a publisher offers them a chance to create a professional portfolio with the help of an editor. Otherwise, you've got nothing of value to pull decent writers away from paying gigs or self-publishing.
  - madhadron 14y ago
    Considered going through some of the online scifi and fantasy magazines, finding folks who haven't published much but write well, and sending them an email? Sorry I can't offer any better advice than that.

krollew 14y ago

Realy nice text. Good luck. How does that lulu.com? On their site I see they offer to publish for free, but how they do it so it's profitable?

JoeAltmaier 14y ago

Article doesn't address the topic. Time for another revision.